What? A festival devoted to the work of John Clare.
When? July 8 -10, 2011.
Where? John Clare School, Helpston, Peterborough AA Route Planner | multimap
Who? Ronnie Blythe, Hugh Lupton, Sussex Downs Singers.
Programme? See below
How much? Free
Festival Website: New blogspot John Clare Society ( well done)
Tel: 01353 668438 -
Friday 8th July
1.30 p.m. at Helpston Parish Church. 'The Midsummer Cushion Ceremony.' The pupils of the John Clare Primary School, Helpston bring their cushions of flowers to place around the grave of John Clare. The pupils' prize-winning poems are read and prizes awarded, followed by music and prayers.
7 p.m. onwards - Langdyke Trust Activities at Torpel Manor Field, part of Helpston's history since the Norman Conquest. The Langdyke Countryside Trust will be hosting a range of walks and talks based on the history of the site.Saturday 9th July
From 9.00 a.m. - coffee and toast in Botolph's Barn - near the Exeter Arms.
9.30 a.m. Festival opens in the school hall - stalls include the John Clare Society sales, booksellers, local tourist offices and exhibitions. Buy your tickets for the much-anticipated concert by the Sussex Downs Singers.
10 a.m. Marquee - Pupils from John Clare Primary School will entertain.
10.30 a.m. Marquee - Welcome and Introduction to the Festival from the Chairman of the Society followed by the Annual General Meeting.
11.15 a.m. (approx.) President's address by Ronald Blythe; followed by Hugh Lupton (Author of ‘The Ballad of John Clare’)
From 11 a.m. and throughout the day - 'An Artists' Quarter' in Botolph's Barn
Friday & Saturday - Special exhibitions of paintings in The Gallery, West Street, near to Helpston Village Stores & in Bachelor's Hall in Woodgate, Helpston.
John Clare's Cottage open 10am - 5pm (FREE to members of the Society this weekend - please remember to take your 2011/12 membership cards)
12 noon - 1 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. - 2.30 p.m. Poetry Workshops in the Scout and Guide Centre - for children aged 6-12 years, led by the Education Officers of the John Clare Cottage Trust.
12 p.m. onwards - Village Hall lunches (with music by the Woodworm Ceilidh Band).
Morris Dancers and the Peterborough Folk Dance Society perform at the Bluebell Inn and the Exeter Arms. Pennyless Folk Duo will be playing and singing around the village!4.30 p.m. St Botolph's Church - Read your favourite Clare poem.
5.30 - 6 p.m. Village Green - St. Botolph's Music Group
6.30 p.m. in the Marquee at
John Clare Primary School
The Sussex Downs Singers
Songs of the Countryside followed by 'Clare's Journey'
Composed by Terence Deadman
Tickets £10
Including an interval drin
From 7.30 p.m. onwards - Folk Music in the Blue Bell at Helpston.
Sunday 10th July
11 a.m. Festival Service in St. Botolph's Church led by The Revd. Ron Ingamells12 noon onwards - Willow Brook Farm opposite Swaddywell, Marholm Road -- Cafe open and Family Farm Day events organised by Langdyke Trust and the local Wildlife Trust, with Clare poems to make you smile with Peter Moyse & Roger Rowe.
We apprecicate you insights into literary festivals that you might have attended or are hoping to get too, or your views on award winning books.
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